Judge rules Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson can testify under oath in nine civil cases

A judge in Houston ruled Monday that Deshaun Watson can face questions under oath in at least some of the twenty-two civil cases filed against him by women who have accused the Houston Texans quarterback of actions ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions.

Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, filed a motion last week to delay Watson's deposition until after April 1 and argued Monday that such a delay would enable Watson's legal team to secure depositions with all twenty-two of the women who are suing Watson and also allow Watson the protection of knowing whether he will also face criminal charges. Watson's deposition was originally scheduled to begin as early as this week.

Hardin said in court Monday that the Harris County District Attorney will likely decide by April 1 whether Watson will be criminally charged. The District Attorney's office and Houston Police have declined to comment on the status of the criminal case against Watson.

Hardin's motion to delay Watson's deposition was denied on Monday, at least in part.

«Deshaun Watson's team loudly and publicly claims he is innocent and wants nothing more than to clear his name, yet he refuses to sit in a room and face his accusers and answer questions under oath,» Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the 22 women suing Watson, said in a prepared statement Monday.

«Today [Watson] sought more delay; however, despite his efforts, the Court ruled that, at least with regard to the first nine plaintiffs, there will be no more delay,» Buzbee added.

The court ruled Monday that Watson can be questioned under oath on allegations relating to nine of the pending civil cases. None of the women involved in those nine cases have filed criminal complaints